Friday, February 26, 2016

8 Tips to Prevent Hair Loss

Dentists give excellent advice on cavity prevention. And when it comes to child health, no one is more experienced than your local Pediatrician. So why do so many men and women struggle to prevent hair loss?

One reason: Hair loss experts are specialized and often operate inconspicuously in the communities where they reside. Simply put, if you are not actively struggling with severe pattern baldness, you probably do not know that there is a hair transplant surgeon in your area. Nevertheless, hair transplant surgeons are board certified professionals with an unparalleled understanding of how hair grows, as well as what makes it fall out.

Look fabulous today, tomorrow, and long into the future with these hair loss prevention tips from the professionals at Hair Transplant Institute of Miami. Please note: This article is not meant to give health advice. Always consult a physician prior to making a change to your diet, exercise, or prescription medication regimen.

1. Eat Well

The human body is amazing in its ability to extract life-sustaining nutrients from everyday foods and beverages. As a result, the body literally becomes what is consumed. Keep this in mind, and incorporate basic building blocks for strong hair in each meal. These include lean proteins (chicken, lean beef, and fish), omega-3 fatty acids (olive oil, salmon, and chia seeds), and antioxidants (oranges, goji berries, acai berries, blueberries, and many more).

2. Consider Taking a Hair & Nail Supplement

Some essentials for healthy hair are not so easily found naturally in food. Fortunately, hair and nail supplements are available to fill the gaps. Specifically, look for formulas that are rich in biotin and keratin. These two nutrients are absolutely essential in facilitating the growth of long, strong, and resilient hair.

3. Care for Your Scalp

Much like a tree is supported by its roots, so too is hair supported by a skin structure called the hair follicle. These structures reside within the dermis of the skin, and they represent a critical make-or-break factor when it comes to hair loss. When healthy, follicles support a normal hair growth cycle that results in naturally thick and resilient hair. Hair follicles can become damaged, however. Excess dirt, oil, and sebum on the scalp can contribute to the problem. Care for you scalp to prevent irritation, and keep your hair follicles primed for natural growth.

4. Remember to Breath

Every year, dozens of new studies link stress with chronic illness. Stress is known to cause extreme thinning, shedding, or balding as well. This condition is known as Telogen effluvium. To prevent stress-related hair loss, choose at least 1 of the following stress management techniques to engage with each day. Use your technique first thing in the morning, and immediately in response to any stressful situation that may arise during the day.

Yoga

Meditation

Journaling

Hypnotic coloring

Mindful breathing

Aerobic exercise

5. Quit Nicotine

Few habits cause more internal damage than smoking and chewing tobacco. Both forms of nicotine consumption flood the body with toxins and free radicals that damage cellular structures. Smoking is known to cause excessive hair thinning and shedding, so kick the habit to keep your hair thicker over time. In addition to better looking hair, quitting tobacco use significantly reduces the incidence of a wide array of other chronic diseases.

6. Take Aspirin or Rogaine®, But Never Both

A research team at the University of British Columbia has found evidence that aspirin may suppress the same enzymes that Rogaine® seeks to stimulate, thereby negating the effect of the popular hair loss treatment. If you take aspirin for heart health, consider seeking an alternative hair loss treatment.

7. Understand the Risks of Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives can be measured by an “androgen index.” Be aware that those medications with a high androgen index are also correlated with more pronounced side effects, like heightened production of the hormone DHT. DHT is known to adversely affect hair follicles, which may lead to thinning and balding. Choose a low androgen oral contraceptive to minimize hair loss during use.

8. Treat Your Hair to Laser Therapy

Lasertherapy for hair restoration is relatively new option for men and women who want to prevent hair loss. This technology uses the known benefits of low level laser therapy (LLLT) to improve circulation in the scalp. As a result, hair follicles receive more of the nutrients and oxygen they need to function properly. Laser therapy can be used as a preventative measure as well, helping to improve the overall health of the scalp while reducing the likelihood that hair loss will occur.